Imagine a city that can predict traffic jams before they happen, optimize energy use based on real-time weather data and even warn residents about how a nearby fire might spread. What once sounded futuristic is now on the horizon thanks in part to a collaboration between researchers, City staff and community members. The group started out by focusing on fire and smoke mitigation in Austin's wildland-urban interface. Based on community input and co-creation, the AI tool combines real-time data on fires, buildings and weather to predict smoke dispersion and issue early warnings, particularly crucial in the complex WUI environment. Using AI and real-time data, the initiative emphasizes ethical considerations and community engagement, aiming to shape more sustainable and equitable urban environments as urbanization increases.

The unprecedented, diverse, and unpredictable challenges that communities contend with today require leaders to have access to the authoritative data they need to make informed resource decisions to improve preparedness and resilience. The Community Lifeline construct created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency which focuses on assessing the status of the critical services and assets is an important starting point to understand the health of a community. This presentation will highlight how communities can use the no-cost Community Lifeline Status System (CLSS) tool developed by G&H International Services on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate to enable decision makers assess critical sector impacts—transportation, communication, healthcare, energy, and water— in order to make smarter and more informed decisions. The presentation will feature a walkthrough of the system and panel discussion to include the State of Maryland Emergency Management, the Town of Cary; and a senior technology advisor facilitated by G&H International. Participants will gain direct insights into how strategic planning, resource allocation, and community engagement strengthen lifelines, enabling a coordinated and data informed response to emergencies as well as how to use it to help build safe, smart, and resilient communities. By the end, participants will understand how to better operationalize locally focused Community Lifelines creating a resilient foundation for communities, fostering collective abilities to withstand and recover from the challenges of today and those of the future.

As natural disasters increase and cause extensive damage, leaving residents without power, emergency management teams struggle to create a cohesive plan that integrates renewable energy options. By streamlining processes to deploy solar and electric vehicle infrastructure, it will help cities empower residents to install solar/battery systems and purchase electric vehicles. Renewable solutions can help cities become more resilient and able to respond during natural disasters to protect their residents and business owners, through solar and storage microgrids, virtual power plants, and vehicle to building applications. Cities need to find new electricity to serve rapidly rising load growth. And they need to do it while lowering energy costs — especially given that many homeowners can't afford to pay their power bills. Distributed energy resources, or DERs, are collections of solar panels, batteries (including those in EVs), connected devices and appliances, and gas generators. They’re spread among homes and buildings and configured as highly resilient microgrids. When trees fall on transmission lines, these systems continue to create power and keep people and communities safe.

Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) have traditionally focused on delivering new physical assets or optimizing existing ones through innovative technologies and automation. However, in the digital age, the scope of P3s is expanding to encompass new data infrastructures essential for a thriving digital economy and business development. This panel session will explore how the P3 model can be leveraged to deploy, operate, and modernize advanced technologies, automation, and cybersecurity, all with minimal initial capital investment and long-term operating agreements with technology vendors.

A panel discussion focused on cybersecurity in city environments will delve into the critical issues surrounding digital infrastructure, data protection, and the growing cyber threats faced by urban areas. Experts from cybersecurity, local governance, and technology sectors would join forces to discuss how cities can safeguard themselves in an increasingly digital world. Key discussion topics: - Protecting Smart City Technologies: As cities implement smart infrastructure—such as intelligent traffic systems, IoT devices, and public service networks—the need for robust cybersecurity protocols to prevent breaches and system disruptions becomes paramount. - Securing Critical Infrastructure: Panelists would discuss strategies to secure essential urban infrastructure, including water supply systems, electricity grids, transportation networks, and public health systems from cyberattacks. - Data Privacy and Citizen Protection: With the massive amounts of data collected by urban systems, the discussion would highlight the importance of protecting citizen information and ensuring privacy amidst smart city advancements.

Explore how cutting-edge technology is transforming waste and recycling operations. This panel will showcase the latest innovations in smart waste management systems, including route optimization, real-time data analytics, and sensor-based solutions. Experts from the City of Austin, TX, will discuss how these technologies can increase efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve sustainability. Attendees will gain insights into the future of waste management and recycling, and learn how smart cities are leveraging technology to enhance service delivery and environmental outcomes.

Join industry leaders at this impactful session to address the urgent challenges in fleet management. Ingrid Cook Moravitz, CEO of SHzoom Technologies, will open the day with a focus on workforce gaps, leadership, and the future of fleet operations, setting the stage for innovative solutions and collaboration. An Innovation Fireside Chat will highlight the success of SHzoom’s Uptime technology, which has cut repair costs by 25% and reduced crash-related downtime by 47% in government fleets. Learn from real-world examples of fleets driving operational excellence. The Leadership Roundtable will tackle talent shortages, with practical strategies for attracting and retaining skilled professionals. Hear about the 'Hire My Heroes' initiative, which connects transitioning service members to fleet careers.

Most well-run cities have put focus on water, energy, waste, highways, and parks, because everyone agrees they are essential pieces of infrastructure that need to be managed. Cities and utilities work diligently to balance supply and demand, see to maintenance, and adapt when the needs of a community change. But there is one other critical component of urban infrastructure that has been left behind: the curb. The curb is adjacent to every activity that happens in the urban core. It can be a cornerstone of city planning, business development, connectivity, and community. In this session learn how forward-thinking cities are: - Digitizing their curb asset inventory to monitor curb utilization amongst competing entitles like, delivery vehicles, ride shares and parking - Understanding how the curb is impacting traffic, mobility, and safety commerce - Using technology to proactively manage curb policies to create a safer, more prosperous urban ecosystem Walk away with the tools to create a strategy for better managing your curb in your city.

Sponsored by Uptime by Shzoom

Opening remarks from City of Austin Council Member Vanessa Fuentes

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way cities operate, manage, and deliver services to their citizens. AI can help cities leverage the vast amounts of data they collect to generate insights, improve decision-making, and enhance efficiency. However, many cities face challenges in adopting and implementing AI solutions, such as lack of skills, resources, governance, and trust. The US Mayoral RoundTable, together with Dell Technologies and NVIDIA, explore how cities can overcome these barriers and embark on a successful AI journey.

Like all ‘sticky’ problems, digging both deep and broad while collaborating across sectors and jurisdictions is non-negotiable, but can feel impossible. This panel brings together broadband experts from across Texas, representing multiple levels of government agencies, to discuss the integration of infrastructure, policy, and equity in broadband initiatives. Attendees will gain insights into the strategies employed to foster collaboration and the practical solutions implemented to bridge the digital divide. The session will delve into these leaders' successes and ongoing challenges, providing a comprehensive understanding of how regional nodes can effectively contribute to state-wide digital inclusion.

Join Cincinnati City Manager Sheryl Long for an engaging fireside chat, as she delves into the city’s latest mobility initiatives aimed at improving urban transportation. Learn how Cincinnati has enhanced connectivity, reduced congestion, and created more walkable neighborhoods.

Introduction to the topic of Digital Identity Applications of how it may apply to Dual Purpose Smart City Uses Cases. Attendees will walk away with a broad understanding of the History of Digital Identity, Current State and Synergies for Citizens, Municipalities, Connected Vehicles/Infrastructure, and more.

Cities are revolutionizing resident and tourist engagement through multi-channel access points—meeting people wherever they are, be it mobile apps, phone support, or kiosks. Digital humans take this a step further, offering personalized, interactive guidance in transit hubs, airports, and popular sites. They’re more than guides; they’re storytellers, helping visitors feel welcomed and connected by sharing real-time insights on landmarks, events, and the city’s cultural heart. Picture a seamless journey where travelers begin their exploration from home or on mobile, get instant help from a digital human upon arrival, and flow effortlessly into the city’s physical environment—blending virtual and real-life interactions to create memorable city experiences. Through partnerships with travel platforms, mapping services, local businesses, and cultural hubs, cities can enrich these interactions with the latest information, making every moment in the city feel connected and comprehensive.

Hear how mobility solutions are shaping the future of smart cities. This panel of city leaders and innovators will discuss their mobility priorities and the biggest challenges they are facing in transforming urban mobility.

More than 80% of U.S. households have a smart meter, embedded with wireless communication technologies. While most of these meters are electric, the modern networks they form often encompass multiple municipalities and towns. Once installed, this multi-purpose network infrastructure can then be leveraged by many city departments to enable a variety of use cases. Similarly, the rapid adoption of LED and smart streetlights is creating additional opportunities for shared networks to enable solutions like leak detection, flood sensing, and wastewater management at a fraction of the time and cost of stand-alone systems. Join this session to learn how cities and utilities can collaborate to share intelligently connected network infrastructure investments to increase ROI while addressing their unique (and sometimes shared) challenges. Presenters will share their experiences in navigating both business and technical considerations for shared networks to make access to modern energy and water management solutions affordable and practical for communities of all sizes.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness that in cybersecurity, the criminals and malicious hackers are now the least our worries. We are now facing persistent, well organized and resourced, strategically planned and executed efforts by hostile nation state actors such as the PRC and Russia to systematically compromise and attack our infrastructure, businesses, economy and society. As bad as things are already, the situation is rapidly getting worse. AI is exponentially increasing the scale, breadth & sophistication of attacks; and meanwhile we have connected all manner of critical smart, dumb, legacy devices in our workplaces, factories, homes – even our bodies – to the Internet. The heads of the NSA and FBI testified to Congress on the urgency and gravity of this threat last summer, warning that the PRC was “poised to wreak havoc” on our critical infrastructure and digital economy. We have seen the nation respond in the area of Microchips and to specific threat actors such as Huawei and Tik Tok. Yet, the single greatest threat has remained mostly ignored: over 90% of our routers are manufactured in China - and many if not most come either pre-compromised or with deliberate vulnerabilities. Virtually every major vendor in the Enterprise market have experienced this directly and the situation with consumer and SMB routers is even worse. The ROUTERS Act (H.R. 7589) proposes to bring funding and focus for the first time on this critical issue, but ’studies’ and ‘recommendations’ will take years to see any meaningful action. The panel will examine extent and gravity of the vulnerabilities and compromises woven into our networking equipment and the urgent need to reshore router manufacturing and supply chain - most especially microchips - to enhance national security. It will also explore the enormous economic benefits that can be reaped, outline necessary requirements for this transition, and identify short-term solutions to mitigate associated threats.

Don’t miss this special session with the Lower Colorado River Authority, Austin Energy, the City of Austin, and Ubicquia sharing insights on what’s happening, private LTE and the coming trends and services in the next generation of both streetlighting lighting and grid reliability for munis and CoOps.

This panel will explore how advanced fleet management technologies are revolutionizing urban transportation. By empowering operators with real-time control, monitoring, and online management tools, these systems optimize vehicle deployment, service frequency, and passenger capacity. Simultaneously, transit authorities benefit from centralized oversight through GPS tracking. We will delve into the challenges of implementation, the potential opportunities, and the positive impact on efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability. Case studies and innovative solutions will provide practical insights for building a better public transportation system.

Even as electric-vehicle sales continue to rise – 20% year on year, per the latest projections – cities are struggling to roll out the EV charging infrastructure needed to meet demand and enable their vision of a more-sustainable, electrified future. City leaders must answer pressing questions about where to build charging stations, how to prioritize locations and rollout plans, and ways they can more effectively manage a power grid that’s already at (or beyond) capacity. They also need to address CapEx and profitability considerations. The combination of AI and digital twins offers some fast, effective paths forward. How are city leaders addressing the EV infrastructure imperative? What steps are being taken to address citizens’ demands and grid considerations? Learn some practical steps city managers can take on both a day-to-day and strategic planning level.

By ‘Things’ we are talking about critical infrastructure, which includes Smart Cities according to DISA. This panel will cover the obvious – physical and cyber security - but will also discuss lesser- appreciated topics such as risk assessments, emergency preparedness, data privacy, the impact of AI, policy development, and community involvement.

Hear from leading industry experts about critical technology advancements, new standards, security considerations, and benefits that are transforming the way cities work and the value they can deliver to their constituents. The panel will examine the latest developments in smart street lights, sensors and high-speed wireless connectivity, as well as other related technologies including public Wi-Fi. Gain exposure to panelist success stories regarding leading smart city projects that are delivering value. By attending this session you will take away a set of considerations to enable you to put in place the technology foundation and long-term strategy to scale your smart city efforts for maximal success.

Mobility is critical for the character of communities and has a significant impact on the livelihoods of residents. While technology has improved the transportation experience for buses, bikes, and shoes, the digital transformation of parking continues to be in a nascent state. The conflict for attention by providers’ sporadic app integrations creates avoidable driver confusion and frustration. Customers increasingly expect connected experiences and a multi-service, open market approach that provides increased choice and streamlined operations as the future of digital parking. Municipalities looking to build smarter, efficient planning departments can utilize centralized consumer behavior data to develop long-term strategy and informed policy decisions with reduced cost and complexity.

Based on the findings from CivicPlus' extensive US national survey spanning two-years worth of work, CivicPlus Vice President of Market Research, Brenden Elwood, will talk through the findings, and offer considerations and implications regarding "The Link Between Technology, Government Transparency, and Resident Trust." Speaking from experience as both a professional researcher and his 14+ years of service as an elected official, Mr. Elwood will contextualize the data through the lens of his real world experiences as a current city councilmember and former park's commissioner, with the goal to help others think of ways to transform resident interactions and boost confidence in local administrations.

Cities share what it means to remain relevant, safe, and invested in a time of digital transformation. Hear about the unique challenges and opportunities facing city leaders and what the future may hold for connected communities.

Discover how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping urban landscapes by revolutionizing data management and service optimization. This panel will delve into groundbreaking AI applications that uncover hidden patterns, streamline city services, and empower decision-makers. Join us to explore how a unified, intelligent data framework can elevate city planning and leadership, paving the way for smarter, more efficient cities.

The speakers will explore the transformative potential of drone technology in reshaping delivery services within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. It will highlight the significant time savings and increased convenience drone delivery offers, potentially saving households 39 hours annually. Also focussing on the broader social benefits: reduced road traffic, fewer accidents, and lower emissions. Plus enhancing accessibility for underserved communities by providing better access to food, medicines, and other essentials. *Understand the diverse needs and characteristics of the community; *Prioritizing early and ongoing education about drone delivery; *Engaging city stakeholders to identify optimal communication channels; *Illuminate the opportunities for local businesses to expand their reach and customer base through efficient drone delivery services; *Gaining widespread benefits and the importance of collaborative efforts with city officials to tailor drone deployment effectively across various municipalities

Harness the buying power of cooperative purchasing to quickly integrate information and communication technology (ICT) into your community. Accelerate data-driven growth and sustainable development by bypassing time-consuming procurement barriers to innovation. Regarded as a best practice for public entities, cooperative purchasing is your smart assistant to help build intelligent infrastructure. Sourcewell has been a trusted leader in cooperative purchasing contracts for more than 45 years. Most contracted products and services are delivered through a local dealer or representative to ease the public purchasing process and improve your future-forward community. Wondering where to start to enhance the quality of life back home? Start here with basic information about cooperative purchasing contracts from your government procurement partner, Sourcewell.

Sponsored by ACT | The App Association

City of Parkville, MO alderman Bob Bennett will moderate a panel with 3-4 city officials including an airport director implementing AI solutions at DFW, two city innovation leaders (City of Oklahoma City and City of Las Vegas) and a city transportation leader (DC) who share perspectives on how their departments are implementing AI into their operations. The panel will also include a representative from Routeware to offer their perspective.

We have experienced the hottest days on record this summer. Extreme heat impacts everyone, but it has much greater impact on those in urban areas without tree cover, parks and public pools, sufficient water, and an energy grid to handle increased electrical power. In addition, responding to extreme heat crosses all government departments and agencies from utilities to emergency management and policing to parks and recreation. This panel will explore ways cities are finding solutions to cope with this increasing problem from new positions (Chief Heat Officer, Chief Tree Officer, Chief Water Officer) to technology innovations.

As the implementation and complexity of smart city technologies increase across the country, connected communities face attacks on critical infrastructure due to their deployment of interconnected devices and systems. As a result, smart city managers, Chief Information Officers (CIOs), Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Information Technology (IT) staff and vendors must adapt and respond to increased risks against these technologies and systems. Panelists will discuss cyber risks to smart city technologies through attack vectors such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and will focus on the threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences of these persistent threats. Panelists will share how best to mitigate risks through various mitigation strategies, including those outlined in the Cybersecurity Best Practices for Smart Cities guidance, a joint U.S. and international guide which provides best practices to help communities strengthen their cybersecurity posture.

A Preview of SCC San Antonio 2025

Municipalities and military instillations are increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks, natural and man-made disasters, and disruptions to energy, food, and water supply chains. This panel will discuss dual-use innovations in this space from industry, military, and government.

Presented by TechConnect, Advanced Technology International (ATI), and the RISE Consortium, the Smart Cities - Smart Bases Innovation Challenge delivers cutting-edge, dual-use technology pitches to address the overlapping technical, environmental, and security challenges facing both smart cities and smart bases.

This panel will explore cutting-edge innovations in smart sensors, security cameras, communication systems, and central monitoring software. Topics include the latest in magnetic, vibration, and environmental sensors, high-resolution cameras with night vision and motion detection, real-time alert systems with wireless communication and GPS tracking, and integrated software solutions for event logging and seamless interface management. Discover how these technologies are enhancing situational awareness and security across various sectors.

According to the IMD Smart City Index Report, video cameras are the top technology to help residents feel safe. Yet if the footage recorded by those cameras isn't intelligently analyzed for threats or possible safety enhancements, residents' feeling may not be justified. Similarly, if police officers spend more than half of their time writing reports, as data suggests, how much are they actually "protecting and serving" residents through proactive patrols? Recent AI advancements are enabling city and police leaders to improve public safety in fascinating new ways. Join this session to explore new AI-enabled use cases for public safety, including: police departments using AI to create first-draft police reports in order to maximize their time spent policing the streets, and an AI chip capable of detecting drugs to help cities' drug- and crime-reduction efforts.

Recent legislation has emphasized that clean energy must directly support and benefit under-resourced communities. Between the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors Act (CHIPS), many projects and programs require consideration of environmental justice and energy equity. Companies and projects that apply for funding need to have a community benefits plan (to identify how a project is directly engaged with and directly benefits the community) and some of the benefits can only be used if projects are located in communities that are transitioning from coal, or that are economically disadvantaged. Join the National Renewable Energy Laboratory as we explore the opportunities and possibilities within EPA’s Solar For All program, best practices for CBPs, and other ways to create clean energy projects that directly support under-resourced communities.

Imagine a world that is not only smarter but greener—urban landscapes seamlessly integrated with technology to optimize energy consumption, reduce carbon footprints, and enhance residents’ quality of life by cutting down on traffic to make an evening commute easier and safer. This vision is becoming a reality through the convergence of IoT, AI, and sustainable technology, driven by the innovation emerging from tech and talent hubs. Tech and talent hubs play a pivotal role in fostering the innovation needed for smart cities. By attracting a skilled workforce and providing supportive infrastructure, these hubs enable small businesses to thrive and drive the development of sustainable IoT and AI solutions. In this race to develop smarter, greener, and more connected urban environments, a discussion on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) standard-essential patent (SEP) licensing couldn’t come at a more impactful time. Our expert panelists will delve into the crucial realm of SEP licensing and sustainable smart city innovation. They will reveal how current licensing frameworks can either hinder or propel small businesses developing cutting-edge IoT and AI solutions for sustainable urban living. Through real-world smart city solutions—like smart grids, automated traffic management, and energy-efficient buildings—we’ll showcase the powerful synergy between advanced technology driven by small business innovation and environmental sustainability. Join us to understand the regulatory changes needed to support sustainable tech ecosystems and how city leadership can collaborate with industry innovators to build smarter, greener urban environments.

Presented by TechConnect, Advanced Technology International (ATI), and the RISE Consortium, the Smart Cities - Smart Bases Innovation Challenge delivers cutting-edge, dual-use technology pitches to address the overlapping technical, environmental, and security challenges facing both smart cities and smart bases.

Technologies are becoming ever-present in our cities, but can face backlash from residents because of privacy concerns. Fears of being tracked can inspire community resistance, legislative opposition, and conspiracy theories. Any city hoping to implement smart-city initiatives must find a way to do so that addresses these concerns, and builds privacy and transparency into the solution. This panel will gather three types of organizations to discuss how transparency solutions can generate public trust and support in smart city deployments. Included in this panel are: City of Calgary, Alberta; City of Dublin, Ohio; North Texas Innovation Alliance; Upciti: Provider of privacy by design computer vision sensors, deployed in Europe, Canada and the US. Involved in several transparency projects around the world; Helpful Places, advancing adoption of the Digital Trust for Places and Routines (DTPR) communication standard.

This panel will examine how AI video analytics and command centers are revolutionizing urban public safety. By harnessing advanced object detection, behavior analysis, and real-time alerts, AI empowers security teams to proactively identify and respond to potential threats. This session will explore successful implementations, the challenges of integrating these systems, and their impact on crime prevention and emergency response. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how these technologies are transforming command center operations and enhancing community safety.

A smart city thrives on regional collaboration, community-focused outcomes, and the integration of public and private solutions to enhance safety and operational efficiency. Austin, TX exemplifies this through the Central Texas Construction Partnership Program (CPP), a joint agency initiative aimed at maintaining safety, mobility, and public awareness during a decade-long construction project. With billions invested in the region, CPP partners balance individual project needs with broader coordination efforts. A key undertaking is TxDOT's generational project to reshape I-35 through downtown Austin, starting in 2025. The shared vision of CPP is twofold: maintain pre-construction service levels on I-35 during construction and improve worker safety. This vision materializes through various regional projects that consolidate data onto a common platform for user-friendly access via mobile apps and websites. The collaborative approach involves local agencies, private firms, and the University of Texas working together to achieve these goals while managing risks collectively—hallmarks of a smart city. The greatest challenge lies in fostering collaboration and aligning visions; technology implementation is comparatively straightforward. Join us for a roundtable discussion with the Austin regional team as they share their journey, funding strategies, approaches taken, and future plans for making Austin smarter.

Join us for a panel conversation featuring the City of Sacramento's Community Engagement Manager, Senior Planner, Senior Economic Development Project Manager and Community Ambassadors, as they share invaluable insights from their experiences working with and in community. In this dynamic session, discover the driving force behind the award-winning program and the innovative approaches this team takes. This panel promises to unravel the secrets of bridging the divide between government and communities of color. Embark on a journey of learning as the panelists delve into the intricacies of fostering innovation, trust, and collaboration. Gain a deeper understanding of how the City is leading the nation in best practices. This isn't just about collecting surveys, translations, and checking the box; it's about creating a specific and intentional structure, where culture and diversity not only thrive but are valued and centered. Be inspired by the tangible results of a concerted effort to create more inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable communities. We explore the transformative power of an approach that values voices of community. This is more than a panel; it's an invitation to be part of a movement, shaping the future of community engagement. Come feel the SacVibe!

Presented by TechConnect, Advanced Technology International (ATI), and the RISE Consortium, the Smart Cities - Smart Bases Innovation Challenge delivers cutting-edge, dual-use technology pitches to address the overlapping technical, environmental, and security challenges facing both smart cities and smart bases. The winner of the Smart Cities - Smart Bases Challenge will be announced in this session!

The University of Texas at Austin has declared 2024 'The Year of AI' with a research agenda focused on defining, evaluating, and building ethical human + AI systems. Good Systems is a research grand challenge at UT Austin that empowers more than 120 researchers across 31 departments to collaborate on interdisciplinary research designed to foster inclusion and advance responsible AI innovation. Researchers collaborate with partners in industry, nonprofit, and government leaders, including the City of Austin. Attendees will learn the latest insights from Good Systems researchers leading projects that explore critical areas within Ethical AI: racial equity, surveillance and privacy, information integrity, smart cities, living and working with robots, and smart hand tools and the future of work. Each project showcase will highlight research insights relevant to addressing critical issues facing city leaders today.

This moderated panel of city leaders will focus on practical and specific lessons learned, successes and challenges, and the resulting best practices surrounding urban infrastructure.

Lexington, KY has seen huge success in addressing community violence and we want to share our strategy with the world. Presentation on addressing community gun violence by using a holistic, local-centered, and cross-sector strategy that fosters unconventional partnerships in hopes of closing the gaps that our most vulnerable communities fall between. The old African proverb says it takes a village to raise a child. We believe that if it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to lose one. This panel of speakers would speak to how a coordinated crisis response plan for those affected by gun violence, coupled with a focus on addressing the root causes of community violence can not only save lives but create opportunities for our community's most vulnerable residents. The special sauce is in how we reimagine community partnerships. We call this plan "all hearts on deck"! City government, public safety, the courts, the public school system, the faith community, the business community, the nonprofit sector, dormer gang members and drivers of violence, survivors of gun violence, and youth, all work together to address this issue.

Join Opendatasoft as they lead a discussion on effective data practices in building smart cities. This session aims to provide an interactive experience where participants can solicit direct feedback on their current data practices and learn from experts and colleagues. The session will be guided to focus on the topics of working with open data to foster innovation, transparency, and citizen engagement in a Smart City. Learn from real world examples to see how you can implement a growth strategy for your community or organization. Adam Reiser, Director of North American Operations, will highlight best practices, challenges, and success stories in implementing open data strategies while providing direct and actionable feedback to participants. This discussion promises to be a platform for knowledge sharing, encouraging attendees to explore the necessity of data governance in shaping smarter, more sustainable cities. Join us for this insightful session and be part of the conversation on data in building the smart cities of the future.

In the face of rapid urbanization and growing environmental challenges, cities are turning to data and artificial intelligence to craft innovative solutions for sustainability and resilience. This panel explores how advanced informatics, such as air quality data, are reshaping urban policy and planning, creating healthier, greener, and more equitable communities. We’ll hear from experts in both the public and private sectors about the opportunities and challenges of integrating technology into city operations and how partnerships between startups and municipalities can drive meaningful, lasting change. Today’s discussion aims to uncover actionable insights on using data and AI to inform better decisions, enhance urban well-being, and build sustainable futures for cities of all sizes.

This panel will focus on practical and specific lessons learned in community engagement, successes and failures, and the resulting best practices used over the past years by these diverse and unique cities.

Dive into the cutting edge of urban development as What Works Cities presents a panel discussion on the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping our cities of tomorrow. This session will explore how cities are leveraging AI to tackle pressing challenges and improve the lives of residents. Our panelists, experts in urban planning and AI technology, will discuss: The latest advancements in AI and their potential applications in city management. Real-world examples of cities successfully implementing AI solutions. Key considerations for ethical and responsible use of AI in urban environments. Opportunities and challenges in integrating AI into existing city infrastructure. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that will equip you with the knowledge to shape the future of your smart city. Objectives: 1.Showcase Innovative P3 Models: Present successful P3 examples that have integrated cutting-edge technologies and cyber protections into urban infrastructure, enhancing the quality of life for residents. 2. Foster Collaborative Solutions: Engage city leaders and innovators in discussions on how to implement and manage these new technology-driven P3s effectively. Key Topics: • Digital Infrastructure: The importance of robust data infrastructures. • Automation and Modernization: How automation and modern technologies can optimize urban services and infrastructure management. • Cybersecurity: Strategies for incorporating comprehensive cybersecurity measures into P3 projects to protect critical urban infrastructure. • Economic Efficiency: Exploring how P3s can be structured to minimize initial capital investments while ensuring long-term operational efficiency and sustainability.

Join the panel of experts from public and private sectors in exploring how the integration of AI and data can revolutionize city management and community enrichment. With AI, citizens and leaders can be enabled to collect and analyze data more effectively, leading to smarter infrastructure, improved resource allocation and efficiency, and enhanced citizen services to enrich the local population. This will also spotlight an innovative project for the unhoused in San Antonio. Technology will unlock the creation of smarter, more resilient urban environments.

This panel will explore how digital permitting platforms, like GreenLite City, are transforming urban development processes. City managers, chief information officers, and urban planners will hear from municipal leaders and technology experts about how digital solutions streamline workflows by 40X, reduce bottlenecks, and support community growth. The discussion will focus on: Cutting plan review times through digital transformation Reducing administrative burden in municipal building departments Enabling real-time collaboration across multiple disciplines and multiple agencies Enhancing transparency and communication with the public and developers Leveraging data and automation to inform smart city planning and decision-making Key Discussion Points: The Current Landscape of Municipal Permitting: Costly challenges cities face with traditional permitting processes (e.g., manual reviews, slow approval times, limited data insights). The Role of Technology in Urban Development: How digital tools are driving efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement. Real-World Case Studies: Highlighting how municipalities have adopted digital permitting solutions to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and improve collaboration between departments Integrating Technology with Existing City Systems: How GreenLite City integrates with other smart city technologies and systems (e.g., "over the top", deploy with any workflow). The Future of Urban Development: Discussion on how smart cities can leverage AI, data analytics, and cloud-based tools to support sustainable urban growth. The transition from a reactive permitting and planning department to a proactive department that can inform broader policy

Join us on a walking tour of downtown Austin, featuring the Seaholm District, a 90-acre living lab which demonstrates Austin's commitment to sustainable urban living and contains green features that are good for the environment and people who, live, work or play here. We will visit City Hall, where transportation policies are made and learn about sustainable urban design, pedestrian activation, dockless mobility, shared e-mobility, and green streets along the way.